Alphonse RagusaDell OptiPlex GX280The Dell OptiPlex GX280 is more expensive than some other corporate desktops, but some companies really do require solid support and features like the Stable Image Assurance Program. And let's not forget performance: The GX280 is a powerful machine that power users in particular will not want to pass up.

Good expandability for a business box. Three-year support/next-business-day on-site support.

Cons

No DVD writer.

Bottom Line

The Dell OptiPlex GX280 is more expensive than some other corporate desktops, but some companies really do require solid support and features like the Stable Image Assurance Program. And let's not forget performance: The GX280 is a powerful machine that power users in particular will not want to pass up.

Don't overlook Dell's full-size line of corporate desktops. In particular, the mini-tower we looked at, the OptiPlex GX280, is big on expandability and performance, and is backed by an excellent three-year warranty with on-site service the next business day.

The technical specs for the GX280 are robust, incorporating a 3.2-GHz Intel Pentium 4 540 processor, and 512MB of 400-MHz DDR2 SDRAM. The 160GB 7,200-rpm hard drive is a Serial ATA model, thanks to the Grantsdale chipset's integrated controller. Our benchmark tests showed this setup's power, as the GX280 scored a 20.8 on Business Winstone 2004 with a high Business Winstone Multitasking score of 2.7. Even in our Multimedia Content Creation Winstone 2004 testing (not a strong suit for typical corporate desktops), the GX280 reached a very attractive 30.0 score, obviously benefiting from the ATI Radeon X300 graphics card.

The graphics are ported to a beautiful 17-inch LCD monitor, which makes up about 20 percent of the system's cost (you can opt for a 15-inch LCD and save a couple hundred dollars). The system omits a floppy drive and speakers, which most companies can do without. The system also shipped light on software, as many companies buy bulk licenses for the apps they use.

Dell offers businesses the very attractive Stable Image Assurance Program. This means Dell keeps an image of your system for over a year should you need to order more machines down the roadgreat for expanding companies that want to maintain conformity. Dell also continues to offer Client Systems Management Products, and as with all its machines, each of Dell's OptiPlex boxes has an Express Service Code and Service Tag for tech support. Those doing their own support will appreciate the roomy, tool-free case.

The presence of a DVD/CD-RW drive instead of a DVD burner may be disappointing for some users, but it is a perfectly acceptable configuration for businesses with network backup solutions in place. The eight USB slots will allow for plenty of user customization.

The OptiPlex GX280 might be more expensive than some other corporate desktops, but some companies really do require solid support and features like the Stable Image Assurance Program. And let's not forget performance: The GX280 is a powerful machine that power users in particular will not want to pass up.

Dell OptiPlex GX280

Bottom Line: The Dell OptiPlex GX280 is more expensive than some other corporate desktops, but some companies really do require solid support and features like the Stable Image Assurance Program. And let's not forget performance: The GX280 is a powerful machine that power users in particular will not want to pass up.

Dell OptiPlex GX280

Dell OptiPlex GX280

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